These grilled carrots are a sweet treat! With a tasty honey and brown sugar glaze, they become tender and caramelized, making veggies exciting. Perfect for dinner or BBQs!
I love how easy they are to make! Just toss the carrots in the glaze and grill away. Trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds. Who knew carrots could taste like dessert? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Carrots: Fresh baby carrots give a sweet and crunchy bite. If you can’t find baby carrots, use regular carrots cut into sticks. Just make sure they are uniform in size for even cooking.
Olive Oil: This adds rich flavor and helps the glaze stick. If you’re looking for alternatives, canola or avocado oil works just fine; both have high smoke points.
Honey: It sweetens and glazes the carrots beautifully. You can swap honey for maple syrup if you’re looking for a vegan alternative!
Brown Sugar: This gives a nice caramelized effect. If you’re out of brown sugar, you can use white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses for a similar taste.
Fresh Thyme: Adds a herbaceous note. If fresh thyme isn’t available, dried thyme can substitute. Use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more potent.
How Do I Get My Carrots Grill Marks and the Right Tenderness?
Getting perfectly grilled carrots is all about temperature and timing. Here’s how to achieve that perfect tenderness and those coveted grill marks:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat; this ensures the carrots cook without getting burnt.
- Toss the carrots in your glaze before grilling. This not only flavors them but creates that nice sticky outer layer.
- Place the carrots directly on the grill, making sure they’re spaced out so they can cook evenly.
- Turn them every few minutes, around 10-15 minutes total cooking time should do, depending on size.
- Keep an eye on them, as grill times can vary with different grills and carrot sizes!
Enhancing your grilling technique can make a huge difference, so don’t rush this process! Enjoy your perfectly glazed carrots!
How to Make Grilled Carrots With Honey Brown Sugar Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Carrots:
- 1 pound baby carrots, trimmed and washed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
For Garnish:
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 5 minutes to prepare and another 10-15 minutes to grill. In total, you’re looking at around 20 minutes from start to finish. Quick and easy for a lovely side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Grill:
First things first, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. It’s essential to get it nice and hot before placing the carrots on it for that perfect char!
2. Making the Glaze:
In a large bowl, pour in the olive oil, honey, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and ground cinnamon. Whisk everything together until the honey and sugar are fully dissolved. This glaze will give your carrots a sweet and delicious flavor.
3. Coating the Carrots:
Add the washed and trimmed baby carrots to the bowl and toss them in the glaze. Make sure each carrot is well-coated for the best flavor when grilling. You want that sweet mixture to stick nicely!
4. Grilling the Carrots:
Now, place the glazed carrots directly on the grill. Let them cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally. You’re looking for them to become tender and have visible grill marks. Keep an eye on them, as the cooking time can vary depending on the size of your carrots!
5. Adding Fresh Thyme:
If you’re using fresh thyme, sprinkle it over the carrots during the last couple of minutes of grilling. This will infuse a beautiful herbal flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness.
6. Serving Up:
Once the carrots are cooked to perfection, carefully remove them from the grill and arrange them on a serving platter. They should look vibrant and delicious!
7. Garnishing:
For a finishing touch, scatter pomegranate seeds over the top for a burst of color and freshness. It not only looks pretty but adds a delightful crunch!
8. Enjoy!
Serve your grilled carrots warm as a delightful side dish or even a flavorful appetizer. Enjoy the amazing flavors you’ve created!
Can I Substitute Other Vegetables for Carrots?
Absolutely! You can use other similar vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers. Just adjust the grilling time accordingly; softer veggies like zucchini may need less time than carrots.
What If I Don’t Have Honey?
No worries! You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different but equally delicious sweetness. Just use the same amount, 2 tablespoons.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover glazed carrots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Make the Glaze Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze a day in advance! Just mix the olive oil, honey, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and cinnamon together, then refrigerate. Before grilling, give it a good stir to make sure the ingredients are well combined again.
